Palladium and SPC are celebrating America’s 250th with big band classics

This July we’re celebrating the 250^th birthday of America with an exciting celebration of big band music through the decades.

The July 1 show is the brainchild of one of our favorite performers, Allyson Briggs, who is know to our audiences for her elegant interpretations of the Great American Songbook. For this show she’s teaming with bandleader Dan Gabel, president of The American Big Band Preservation Society, to bring a musical celebration to the Palladium.

For tickets and more information, please follow this link.

The preview below appeared in Titan News, the official news outlet of St. Petersburg College.

America 250: Together in Harmony – big band concert celebration

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a spectacular evening of music that spans the nation’s history at the Palladium’s Hough Concert Hall.

America 250: Together in Harmony is a vibrant big band concert featuring acclaimed vocalist Allyson Briggs and bandleader Dan Gabel with a thrilling 18-piece orchestra, bringing the All-American big band tradition to life.

Presented as St. Petersburg College’s official America 250 celebration, this special event takes audiences on a musical journey through the sounds that helped shape the American story. From early patriotic melodies of the 1700s to the swing era that energized the nation during World War II, the program explores how music has reflected and united, generations of Americans.

“We wanted to host a truly spectacular celebration for America’s 250th birthday,” said Paul Wilborn, executive director of The Palladium. When Allyson Briggs, one of our favorite vocal artists, proposed a grand big band performance, I knew it was perfect for our stage.”

Through beloved standards and rediscovered classics, Briggs and Gabel highlight the composers, performers and cultural moments that defined American music. Selections span more than two centuries and include favorites such as “Yankee Doodle,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “Over There,” “We’ll Meet Again,” “God Bless America” and “Sentimental Journey.”

“While we are bringing in incredible headliners from New York City, the core of this 18-piece orchestra is comprised of top-tier local and regional musicians. It perfectly reflects our mission to blend world-class entertainment with homegrown talent. We are so excited to bring this to the community,” said Paul.

Bringing together artists devoted to preserving the golden age of American music, this unforgettable evening blends dazzling big band energy with a rich sense of history, celebrating the spirit, resilience and harmony of America through song.